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Automated Blood Pressure Measurement

Equipment:

• Automatic blood pressure Monitor

Testing Procedure:

1. Press the ON/OFF button to switch on.
2. Seat the subject comfortably in a chair. Wrap the cuff around the upper left arm with the edge of the cuff approximately 1 inch above the elbow. When wrapping the cuff, wrap it loosely enough around the arm so that two fingers can be placed between the cuff and the arm. If the cuff is wrapped more tightly or loosely than this, inaccurate blood pressure readings may result. If the shirt sleeve is rolled up over the upper arm, ensure that it not constricting the blood flow as this will produce an inaccurate measurement.
3. Ask the participant to remain quiet and in a relaxed position. Inflate the cuff to approx 180mmHg. Excessive or insufficient inflation will be indicated on the display.
4. The pressure in the cuff will begin to decrease. As the cuff pressure decreases, at a certain point, the heart symbol will be displayed with beeping sounds in synchronisation with heartbeats. If the original inflation was insufficient, it will indicate error on the display. In this case, begin again after a 1-2 minute rest period. While the heart symbol flashes with beeping sounds, the measurement continues. Ensure the participant remains still without moving their arm and body.
5. The measurement completes when the beeping sound lasts for one second and the systolic and diastolic pressure readings will be displayed for 3 seconds followed by the pulse rate for 2 seconds. The display will show those readings alternatively.
6. Manually exhaust the air from the cuff. Allow 1-2 minutes rest. Repeat the procedure to obtain a second reading.

NB:  When testing in a workplace environment it is important to consider factors which may have an adverse impact upon the result of the test. Stress, anxiety and nervousness can all increase blood pressure and it is not unusual for subjects to report these symptoms. An unusually high daily workload or anxiety about having a blood sample taken can elevate blood pressure levels. Therefore it is important to re-test subjects who report high readings having given them a few minutes to relax. Use the lowest score as the result. Do not average the scores.

Manual Blood Pressure Measurement

Equipment:

• Sphygmomanometer which includes:
  • Cuff
  • Mercury manometer or aneroid manometer
  • Inflating bulb with exhaust control valve

     

• Stethoscope

Testing Procedure:

1. Release all the air from the cuff on the Sphygmomanometer by turning the control valve anti-clockwise.
2. Have the client sit with his/her arm outstretched, in line with or below the heart. Wrap the cuff around the biceps with the lower edge 2-cm above the elbow crease line. Place the stethoscope on the medial artery.
3. Close the control valve on the Sphygmomanometer. Pump the bulb. Raise the cuff pressure on the manometer to 160-180 mmHg
4. Gradually open the control valve. The needle on the manometer should slowly move down as the cuff is released. Drop the pressure 2-3mmHg per second.
5. Systolic blood pressure is taken when the first heart sound is heard through the stethoscope, which indicates that blood is again flowing to the forearm.
6. Allow the cuff pressure to continue to fall. The blood will pump loudly, then become dull and muffled then disappear.
7. Diastolic blood pressure is taken at the point when the sound becomes muffled (it is the last sound you hear).
8. Deflate the cuff entirely. Allow for 1-2 minutes rest. Repeat the procedure to obtain a second reading.

Manual Resting Heart Rate

Equipment:

• Stop watch      

Procedure:

• Locate the radial or carotid pulse.
• Using the forefingers (not thumb), take a 30 second pulse count.
• Double the number to gain a count of the number of beats per minute.